Cost of Living Comparison: US vs India

Thinking about moving abroad or just curious how far your salary stretches? The US and India are two big economies with totally different price tags. Let’s break down the biggest expense buckets so you can picture daily life in each country.

Housing and Utilities

In the US, rent is a headline number. A one‑bedroom apartment in New York City can cost $2,500–$3,500 a month, while the same size in a mid‑size city like Dallas drops to $1,000–$1,300. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) add another $150–$250. In India, rent is a lot lower in most places. A one‑bedroom in Mumbai’s upscale areas runs about ₹70,000–₹100,000 (roughly $850–$1,200) and in smaller cities like Jaipur it can be ₹15,000–₹25,000 ($180‑$300). Utilities in Indian metros are usually ₹5,000–₹8,000 ($60‑$100) per month.

What this means is a huge gap for high‑cost US metros, while Indian cities stay affordable unless you target the top tier neighborhoods. If you shop for a shared apartment or a house with a roommate, both countries can become more budget‑friendly, but the US still tends to stay pricier.

Healthcare and Transportation

Healthcare is another area where the US leads in cost. Even a routine doctor’s visit can cost $100‑$200 without insurance, and a typical health insurance premium for an individual runs $400‑$600 per month. In India, a visit to a private clinic is about ₹500–₹1,500 ($6‑$18) and public hospitals often charge even less. Prescription drugs are also cheaper in India, with many generics costing a fraction of US prices.

Transportation shows a similar split. In the US, a monthly public‑transit pass in cities like Chicago or Washington, D.C. costs $70‑$100, while gas sits around $3‑$4 per gallon. In India, a metro pass in Delhi or Mumbai is about ₹1,000–₹1,500 ($12‑$18) a month, and a liter of petrol is roughly ₹100 ($1.20). Ride‑hailing apps are popular in both places, but the fare per kilometer is consistently lower in India.

Food, entertainment, and groceries round out the picture. A fast‑food combo in the US is $8‑$10, while the same in India is $2‑$3. Grocery bills for a family of four can be $600‑$800 in the US versus $200‑$300 in India, mainly because imported items and organic produce drive US prices up.

So, which is cheaper? On average, India offers a lower cost of living across most categories, especially housing, healthcare, and food. The US can be affordable if you live outside the major metros, find shared housing, and make smart food choices. Ultimately, your personal lifestyle, city choice, and income level will decide where your money goes farther.

Ready to compare your own budget? List your expected monthly expenses, pick a city in each country, and see where the numbers line up. That simple spreadsheet can give you a clear picture before you make any big decisions.